This colorful book looks both beyond the church building and deep within it to find symbols relevant to Judeo-Christianity.

The main objective of this writing is to produce a story of my experience as a Christian without being overly theological. It is an endeavor to understand my cultural relationships from a Christian cultural perspective. Many profound friends, teachers and pastors have been an immeasurable help and source of strength along the journey. Ministry is not for the faint of heart. Ministerial conviction develops very strong convictions of hope, faith, and prayer. The book is the result of six specific areas of Christianity that I have tried to address with family, church and friends. Many have helped to shape, mold, and at times anchor me. It is written to encourage people who are churched and unchurched to consider an awesome Savior in Christ Jesus; He who came to save the world from sin and reconcile man back to God. His Word says, “All men” are made in His image. That includes the sinner that has not yet been delivered into salvation. I give Him glory and take no credit of my own. This is my story replete with laughter, tragedy, shortcomings, and victories. This book is not meant to harm, notify or crucify any certain denomination, religious belief, or non- belief. Some of the names of churches and people in this book are fictional and are the compilation of many beloved relationships with no specific reference to an individual or denomination, while at other times direct reference is added to substantiate the material in this book.

This book is the first comprehensive study of nineteenth-century Mormon architecture and city planning. Professor Hamilton examines the doctrine of Zion, which led to an elaborate hierarchy of building types - temples, tabernacles, meetinghouses, tithing offices, priesthood halls and domestic dwellings. His account, augmented by 135 original and historical photographs, provides a fascinating example of how religious teachings and practices are expressed in planned communities and architectural forms.